video transcript

Tens of thousands of supporters of powerful Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr rally Saturday to decry sectarianism and injustice. Sadr, whose Medhi Army militia once fought against U.S. troops is a powerful member of the government coalition. Some just want to see their family. (SOUNDBITE) (ARABIC) UM ALI, SADR SUPPORTER, SAYING: "Why aren't the prisoners released? They released the detainees who are accused of being terrorists but they did not release supporters of al-Sadr, why? What is the reason? I have not seen my son for nine years, nine years." Violence has intensified in Iraq with the government all but paralyzed since U.S. troops withdrew in December 2011. Al Qaeda is thought to be regrouping and has called on Sunni protesters to take up arms against the government.